So what do these games mean, besides of course, wins and losses?

The White Sox need to perform well.  Their pitching has been great all season.  Defense has been average to good.  Hitting has been mostly mediocre.  I believe the Sox can hit the Cubs pitching if they are patient at the plate.  If the Sox hit well, they will win most of the games.  I believe that winning at least 4 of the 6 games will springboard the Sox for the rest of the season and prepare them better for the fight against the Tigers.

As for the Cubs, they were roughed up big time in Tampa.  I am sure that they thought they would win at least  2 of the 3 games.  The Cubs have some weaknesses and question marks, but they will be swinging the bats.   The Sox will need to play better defense and eliminate unearned runs.

There will be six great games! 

John Danks quotes after first game in Tampa:   "I didn't look at it any different than any other game. But deep down you know that they're winning a tough East and we're winning a tough Central, and this is a series where we feel like we can really make a statement," White Sox pitcher John Danks said.

"This team doesn't lose very much here at home, and we feel like if we can come in here and hopefully sweep this series, we'll be sitting pretty headed into June."

Another John Danks quote after the sweep over Minnesota:  "I'll say that we're the best team this week," said John Danks, who got a no-decision Monday. "We've been playing well. If we play the way we're capable of, we have a good shot in this division."

Since we are looking for ways to "un-jinx" the Sox, how about keeping Danks yapper shut?  His "predictions" have turned into the last three game losing streaks. 

Growing up, the Orioles were one of my favorite teams. 

Players like Palmer, Grich, Bumbry, Singleton, Flanagan, Blair, Cuellar.  Earl Weaver at the helm.  Always fun to track and watch.  Always grindy...

It seems like the once proud Orioles organization has been "Wirtzed".  Obviously, it is tough to compete in the AL East, but at least the O's can be competitive once in a while.  KC is near the level of respectability again. 

Any thoughts?

>When was the last time Konerko (or Thome or Crede) had a clutch hit?

>How is it that the White Sox, since August 15, made the following pitchers look like Cy Young candidates (WS runs scored in parentheses)?

Runelvys Hernandez, KC (2 runs)
Adam Bernero, KC (4 runs)
Pat Neshek, MN (3 runs)
Jesse Crain, MN (4 runs)
Ruddy Lugo, TB (3 runs)
Runelvys Hernandez (again), KC (5 runs)
Mark Redman, KC (3 runs)
Mike Timlin, BOS (2 runs)
Kason Gabbard, BOS (ZERO RUNS)
Hector Carrasco, LAA (3 runs)
Joe Blanton, OAK (4 runs)

[editor's note, by thekever] (Some of the pitchers listed above are relievers that won the game. None are household names that should have earned a victory against the Sox).

If the Sox win five of these eleven games (against MARGINAL pitchers), they are still in the thick of the playoff race.  And everyone still says Greg Walker is a good hitting coach.

>Does anyone still think Brandon McCarthy is "untouchable"?

>Podsednik...GONE

>Uribe...GONE

>Cotts...???

>Buehrle...???

>Vazquez...GONE

>Garcia...???

>Logan...GONE

>Riske...GONE

>Hermanson...GONE

>Alomar...GONE

>Mackowiak...???

>In 2007, Ozzie will have a much tighter leash.

>As of today, Brian Anderson deserves the starting position in CF.

>Kenny Williams deserves a lot of credit for assembling a team that should have taken it all...

Thome for Rowand was a great trade.
Frank Thomas was a pariah in Chicago and needed to go.
Thornton was a great pickup.
McDougall was a great pickup.
Cintron was a great pickup.
Mackowiak was a good pickup.

In almost every position, the 2006 WS were better than the 2005 WS.

>I think I owe each of you an apology.  It seems that all of my prayers during the 2005 playoff run are now coming due.  

>Maybe it is now time to stop believing.  Sorry, Joe Perry.